Andy Ruiz Ready To Learn From ‘Mistakes’ And Get Career Back On Track
Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr says he has learned from his recent “mistakes” and is fully focused on the next chapter of his career, starting on August 3.
Ruiz (35-2-0 22 KO) was on top of the world five years ago when he stunned unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at Madison Square Garden. That the Mexican-American was a late replacement for Jarrell Miller, incidentally Ruiz’s upcoming opponent in Los Angeles, made his triumph all the more remarkable.
However, the Destroyer’s time at the top proved short-lived. He was comfortably beaten by Joshua in the immediate rematch in Saudi Arabia six months later and has fought just twice since then; he defeated veterans Chris Arreola in May 2021 and Luis Ortiz in September 2022, both on points.
Following his win over Ortiz, Ruiz went through a public separation with his partner, and last November, underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff. At a time when many fighters within the heavyweight division are enjoying the opportunities and riches provided by Saudi Arabia, Ruiz has been a frustrated spectator.
He will now aim to make up for lost time and will take on ‘Big Baby’ Miller as part of the stacked Riyadh Season card at the BMO Stadium next month, headlined by the WBA super-welterweight fight between Terence Crawford and champion Israil Madrimov.
Ruiz ‘Happy To Be Back’
“I’m really happy to be back,” Ruiz said during a workout in L.A. “I know it’s been a long minute, but things happen for a reason, and we’re out here now. I’m super excited to continue my mission and continue my path.
“I have to continue my legacy. I made history against Joshua. I made mistakes. I learned through the ups and downs and rollercoaster of life. I feel like it’s a redemption right now too. I am super motivated and hyped. The most important thing is that I am hungry. I am hungry for success and to become a two-time heavyweight champion.”
Like Ruiz, Miller will also be aiming to get his career back on track. The New Yorker (26-1-1 22 KO) is one of the most controversial figures in the heavyweight division and suffered his first defeat last time out to now IBF world champion Daniel Dubois via a final-round stoppage.
Miller has twice served doping suspensions, first for failed tests ahead of the scheduled bout with Joshua and again in 2020 prior to a bout with Jerry Forrest. He was also in January this year arrested and charged with carjacking and burglary with assault or battery.
Ruiz, however, is full of respect and admiration for Miller, whose failed drug tests led to the defining moment of Ruiz’s career.
‘I Want To Be Here For The Long Haul’
“I always salute him – there is nothing bad to say about him,” Ruiz said. “We’re good friends outside of the ring but inside the ring, it’s a whole different thing.
“We’re going to put on that switch because we both want to become world champions. He’s big, strong and comes in with heavy punches, but I think my explosiveness, combinations and speed will for sure make me win this fight.”
Ruiz is also hopeful that a victory against a solid contender like Miller will get him back in the frame for a shot at more world titles.
“I want to train hard and stay busy. I don’t want to fight and then you guys don’t see me for two years and say ‘what happened to Andy?'” I want to be here for the long haul,” he said.
“It’s an open division right now. There are so many heavyweights popping up left and right. But the main guy is Jarell Miller right now. I have to pass this test and become victorious.”
